Premier League club Bournemouth has shown significant interest in Marseille`s 23-year-old left-back, Quentin Merlin. According to reports citing sources close to the player, the Cherries have been closely monitoring the French U21 international, with scouts highlighting his potential during the final stages of the recent Ligue 1 campaign.
Merlin first appeared on Bournemouth`s list in early spring and was among several Ligue 1 players discussed in recruitment meetings as the South Coast side looks to strengthen their left-back options this summer. While no official offer has been made, interest remains strong, although any potential transfer might be delayed until after the U21 European Championships, scheduled to begin on June 11th in Slovakia.
The former Nantes defender has been included in Gérald Baticle`s preliminary 29-man squad for the upcoming U21 tournament and is widely expected to make the final 23. This competition offers Merlin a key opportunity to showcase his talent on the international stage, particularly after narrowly missing selection for the Paris Olympic squad last year.
Under Roberto De Zerbi, Merlin experienced a somewhat inconsistent season in Ligue 1. While he sometimes excelled within the new tactical framework, his role was occasionally impacted when Marseille shifted to a back three formation utilizing wing-backs towards the end of the season. Despite this, the 23-year-old made 27 appearances for Les Olympiens this term, contributing one goal and three assists while operating from the left-back or left wing-back positions.
